Coins & Features

Issued in 2015 as part of the new family of currency launched to commemorate the Coronation of their Majesties, King Tupou VI and Queen Halevalu Mata'aho, were new coins, featuring items that are part of the proud history and culture of Tonga.

$1 Pa'anga

Front Design: Features the late King George Tupou V.

Back Design: Features the Coat of Arms. The three stars in the first quarter represent the three main groups of Islands in the Kingdom. The Kingdom itself is symbolized by the crown in the second quarter. The dove in the third quarter symbolizes Christianity and the swords in the last quarter symbolizes the three Royal dynasties. The white star and red cross in the centre of the shield are the national symbols. The motto: KO E 'OTUA MO TONGA KO HOKU TOFI'A can be translated as God and Tonga Are My Inheritance.

50 Seniti

Front Design: Features His Majesty King Tupou VI

Back Design: Features the Milolua, a ceremonial kava-making dance performed for the King. The milolua is only performed by the daughter of nobility. The design for the 50 seniti coin features the milolua performed by Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, daughter of His Majesty King Tupou VI.

20 Seniti

Front Design: Features His Majesty King Tupou VI

Back Design: Features the Kalia, a voyaging canoe unique to Tonga. The shape of its double hulls and large sail enables the Kalia to reach great speed on the open seas. Historically, the kalia was used for navigating the open seas but islanders now adapt it to transport people, food, livestock and crop materials.

10 Seniti

Front Design: Features His Majesty King Tupou VI

Back Design: Features the Malau (Megapodius Pritchardii) which is the world’s smallest megapode and one of the rarest birds in the world. It is the only surviving megapode in Polynesia and is only to be found under the forest canopy on the Island of Niuafo’ou. The malau is on the international conservation lists as a critically-endangered species.

5 Seniti

Front Design: Features His Majesty King Tupou VI

Back Design: Features the Heilala (Garcinia sessilis) which is Tonga’s national flower. It is associated with royalty and has a special status in Tongan culture. It is used to make the kahoa garland that is presented to the King, and an auspicious garland presented to a girl on her 21st birthday. Each year in July, Tongans hold the week-long Heilala Festival to celebrate the flowering of the heilala flower.

Other Coins in Circulation

All coins issued prior to 2014 were recalled and there should be no other coins in circulation apart from the coins depicted above.